What sides get S-cleats and what sides get drive cleats?
For a typical slip-and-drive rectangular joint, the S/slip cleats hold two opposite bare edges and the drive cleats lock the two hemmed/drive edges. Many shop layouts put slips on the long sides and drives on the short sides, but the shop drawing/detail wins.
Check the connector pattern before sliding the duct together. S-cleat and drive sides depend on the shop/project standard and the way that end was built.
Ask when the connector pattern does not match the duct ends, the piece looks fabricated for another joint, or the project detail shows a different connection.
Watch out
Do not guess the connector sides because it “usually goes that way.”
Check
Match the piece mark and airflow direction
Look at which sides are hemmed/S-lock and which sides take drive
Compare it to the next piece before lifting
Steps
Identify the two bare duct edges and the two hemmed/drive edges.
Match the connector to the edge type instead of guessing by habit.
Check the shop drawing or piece layout if the joint pattern looks different.
Dry-fit before lifting when possible.
Ask before cutting, flipping, or forcing the section.
Say this to your foreman
In Rectangular Duct Assembly: S-and-Drive, I'm looking at: What sides get S-cleats and what sides get drive cleats? What should I verify before I cut, drill, seal, cover, move, or install?